Spanish Mackerel catch of the day 21 Kilos We get the big ones in Karumba

Spanish Mackerel catch of the day.

21 Kilos Spanish Mackerel We get the big ones in Karumba

Karumba is a fishing destination and industrial port on the banks of the Norman River where, each winter, anglers from all over Australia arrive to try their luck in the fish-rich waters of the Gulf. Once it was nothing more than a small, sleepy outback town. In recent years it has evolved into two interconnected, but quite separate, towns.

There’s the “commercial-industrial centre” with its wharves, barramundi farm, prawn processing plant and MMG Century Mine loading facility. It has little interest for tourists. Then there is the “tourist centre” with a five star Karumba Point Sunset Caravan Park with its views across the mouth of the Norman River, and there’s the justly famous Mud Crab and Crocodile tour.

Spanish Mackerel catch of the day. 21 Kilos We get the big ones in Karumba

Location

Karumba is located on the banks of the Norman River 2,154 km north-west of Brisbane, 69 km north from Normanton and 452 km north of Cloncurry.

Origin of Name

It is accepted that ‘karumba’ is simply the word used to signify the location in the language of the local Kuthant Aborigines.

Things to See and Do

A Tour of the Town

The best way to see the “sights”, because they are few, is to hire the local taxi and ask for a conducted tour. In recent times the taxi driver has also been the local school bus driver. She will point out the infamous “Animal Bar” (which, at one time, was so wild and unruly that the furniture was bolted to the floor more to prevent furniture-throwing than theft – it was the subject of a Red Hot Chili Peppers song in 2006); the memorial to those who went to sea in the Gulf of Carpentaria (the sign reads: “This wall was erected by the Karumba Fishing Community in memory of those who went to sea in boats and those who supported them to spend their years in the sometimes hostile waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria”); the MMG Century Mine loading facility; and the town’s port and main street.

Crab and Croc ToursI

Croc & Crab Cruises conduct two very different Gulf experiences.

The first being our signature CROC & CRAB nature cruise. Take in the fabulous bird life, watch with anticipation as we pull our crab pots to see if we’ve caught the big one! All the time keeping an eye out for crocodiles swimming or sunning themselves on the muddy banks. On the return journey enjoy fresh Gulf Cooked prawns, cold meats and salads, delicious tropical fruit platter and Refreshments (All Included).

Croc and Crab Cruises Karumba

Croc and Crab Cruises Karumba

Morning tea also included in this tour.

The second and very different tour is ourSand Island Sunset Cruise. Take a walk on the sand island while enjoying fresh cooked gulf prawns, nibbles, fruit and drinks

(All included). Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the sand island while watching the amazing Karumba sunset as it slowly sinks into the beautiful Gulf of Carpentaria.